Understanding Our True Nature Through Scripture
Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 1 - Remember Whose You Are - Question 1, p. 13
In moments of deep reflection, the question “Who am I by nature?” often arises, compelling us to consider our intrinsic worth and position before God. According to Scripture, the answers can be humbling.
Isaiah 64:6 states, “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” This verse underscores the reality that, despite our best efforts, our righteousness is insufficient and tainted by sin. Our endeavors, no matter how noble, fall short of God's perfect standard.
Romans 3:12 reinforces this notion: “All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” Here, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the universality of sin and the inherent worthlessness that arises from turning away from God. This paints a bleak picture of humanity's natural state — unclean, worthless, and incapable of true goodness.
Furthermore, 1 Timothy 6:7 reminds us of our temporal and dependent existence: “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” In our natural state, we are indeed beggars, having nothing of eternal value to offer God. Our earthly accomplishments and possessions hold no weight in the divine economy.
However, the Gospel promises a transformative hope. Though we are unclean and worthless by nature, God’s love and grace offer redemption and renewal. John 3:16 proclaims the ultimate promise: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Through faith in Christ, we are cleansed, made righteous, and endowed with eternal worth.
Though we begin as beggars, through Christ, we are adopted as children of God, inheritors of a divine promise. This is the heart of the Gospel — a message of hope, redemption, and astonishing grace.
This blog series is adapted from Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation. You can experience this teaching in several ways:
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